Things to Do in Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, Česko

The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul stands as one of the most magnificent Gothic landmarks in the Czech Republic, located in the historic city of Brno, the country's second-largest urban center. This stunning cathedral, with its distinctive twin spires reaching 84 meters high, dominates the city's skyline and serves as both a spiritual center and architectural masterpiece that has watched over Brno for centuries. Brno itself is a vibrant university city that perfectly blends medieval charm with modern innovation, offering visitors a more authentic Czech experience away from the tourist crowds of Prague. The city boasts a rich cultural scene, world-class museums, beautiful parks, and a thriving café culture, all centered around the historic old town where the cathedral proudly stands. From the cathedral's vicinity, visitors can explore winding cobblestone streets, discover hidden courtyards, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Moravian landscape.

Top Things to Do in Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

Cathedral Interior and Tower Tour

Explore the breathtaking Gothic interior of the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, featuring stunning stained glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and beautiful baroque altars. Climb the cathedral towers for spectacular panoramic views over Brno and the surrounding countryside, making it one of the best vantage points in the city.

Booking Tip: Tower tours typically cost 50-80 CZK and are available daily except during services. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Check the cathedral website for special evening tours during summer months.

Brno Old Town Walking Tour

Discover the medieval heart of Brno through its winding cobblestone streets, historic squares, and hidden courtyards. The walking tour covers major landmarks including the Old Town Hall with its famous crooked tower, Cabbage Market, and numerous baroque and Renaissance buildings that tell the story of this ancient Moravian capital.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours operate daily and last 2-3 hours, with tips appreciated. Private guided tours cost 1500-2500 CZK for groups. Book morning tours to avoid afternoon crowds, especially during peak season from May to September.

Špilberk Castle Exploration

Visit this imposing medieval fortress that served as a royal castle, baroque fortress, and notorious prison throughout its history. The castle now houses the Brno City Museum and offers exhibitions on local history, plus beautiful gardens and exceptional views over the cathedral and city below.

Booking Tip: Admission costs 120-180 CZK depending on exhibitions visited. Combined tickets with other Brno museums offer good value. Visit Tuesday-Sunday; closed Mondays except holidays. Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit.

Villa Tugendhat UNESCO Site Visit

Experience this world-renowned modernist masterpiece designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, representing one of the most important examples of early modern architecture in Europe. The villa showcases revolutionary design concepts with its open floor plan, floor-to-ceiling windows, and innovative use of materials like onyx and exotic woods.

Booking Tip: Advance booking essential as tours are limited to small groups. Standard tours cost 350 CZK, extended tours 490 CZK. Book online 2-3 weeks ahead, especially for weekend visits. Photography permits available for additional fee.

Moravian Wine Tasting Experience

Explore the rich wine-making tradition of the Moravian region through tastings at local wine bars and cellars near the cathedral district. Sample distinctive local varieties like Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and Pinot Noir while learning about centuries-old viticultural practices in this renowned wine region.

Booking Tip: Wine tastings range from 300-800 CZK depending on venue and wines included. Many wine bars offer informal tastings without booking, while organized tours cost 1200-2000 CZK. Evening tastings provide the best atmosphere.

Getting There

Brno is easily accessible by train from Prague (2.5 hours), Vienna (1.5 hours), and Bratislava (1.5 hours), with regular direct connections throughout the day. The city's main train station (Hlavní nádraží) is about 1.5 km from the cathedral, reachable by tram or a pleasant 15-minute walk through the city center. For international travelers, the nearest major airport is Vienna International Airport, with direct bus connections to Brno taking approximately 2 hours. Brno also has its own small airport (Brno-Tuřany) with limited European connections, while bus services connect the city to major European destinations including Munich, Berlin, and Budapest.

Getting Around

Brno's historic center, including the cathedral area, is best explored on foot as most attractions are within walking distance of each other. The city operates an efficient public transportation system of trams, buses, and trolleybuses, with tickets costing 25 CZK for 75 minutes or 120 CZK for a day pass. Trams are particularly useful for reaching attractions like Villa Tugendhat or the exhibition grounds. The city center is very pedestrian-friendly with well-marked walking routes, and bike-sharing systems are available for longer distances. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber operate throughout the city, though they're rarely necessary for visiting central attractions.

Where to Stay

Historic City Center

Špilberk Castle Area

Veveří District

Žabovřesky

Královo Pole

Černá Pole

Food & Dining

Brno's dining scene reflects both traditional Moravian cuisine and modern culinary innovation, with many excellent restaurants within walking distance of the cathedral. Traditional dishes to try include svíčková (beef sirloin with cream sauce), moravský vrabec (roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut), and local game specialties, best paired with regional Moravian wines. The city center features everything from cozy wine cellars serving hearty local fare to contemporary restaurants offering creative interpretations of Czech cuisine. Don't miss the vibrant café culture around the cathedral area, where you can enjoy excellent coffee and pastries while admiring the Gothic architecture. The nearby Cabbage Market hosts food stalls and seasonal farmers' markets, perfect for sampling local produce and street food.

When to Visit

The best time to visit the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul and Brno is from late spring through early fall (May to September), when the weather is pleasant for exploring the city on foot and climbing the cathedral towers. Summer months offer the longest daylight hours for photography and sightseeing, plus outdoor concerts and festivals, though this is also the busiest tourist period. Spring and early autumn provide mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful lighting for cathedral visits, while winter can be atmospheric with possible snow creating magical scenes, though some attractions may have reduced hours and weather can be unpredictable for tower climbs.

Insider Tips

Visit the cathedral during the famous 'Brno noon bell' tradition - the bells ring at 11 AM instead of noon, commemorating a clever trick that saved the city during a Swedish siege in 1645

Climb to Petrov Hill behind the cathedral for the best photography angles and sunset views over the city, especially beautiful during the golden hour

Check the cathedral's concert schedule as it regularly hosts classical music performances with exceptional acoustics, offering a unique way to experience this Gothic masterpiece

Things to Do in Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul